Veteran actor and politician Arnold Schwarzenegger told fans “not to worry” after a man tried to drop kick him during a visit to Joburg.
The attack on the former strongman happened while he attended the fourth annual Arnold Classic Africa Competition in Sandton on Saturday.
He initially thought he was being jostled by the crowd, but Arnie had unknowingly captured the assault while filming children competing in a skipping contest when a man tried to approach him from behind.
In the video, the attacker was initially diverted by the celebrity’s security before double-backing and launching himself at the 71-year-old in a flying kick.
The attacker was then pinned down and escorted away by the security detail.
Following the assault, Schwarzenegger tweeted that he only realised he was kicked when he saw the video.
He wrote: “Thanks for your concerns, but there is nothing to worry about. I thought I was just jostled by the crowd, which happens a lot. I only realized I was kicked when I saw the video like all of you. I’m just glad the idiot didn’t interrupt my Snapchat.”
He told fans to instead focus on the competitors instead.
“Do me a favor: instead of sharing the video of the guy who wants to be famous, watch some of our @ArnoldSports athletes like this young hero proving that fitness is for everyone who deserve to be famous.”
The accompanying image was of a young archer.
“And if you have to share the video (I get it), pick a blurry one without whatever he was yelling so he doesn’t get the spotlight.”
Wayne Price, an ex-pro strongman competitor and Arnold Classic Africa partner, reportedly said the attacker was unknown to the crew.
Schwarzenegger would not be pressing charges against the man, Price said.
The Arnold Classic Africa Competition is a complete multi-sport programme involving more than 70 sporting disciplines, exhibitions and championships.